The Boston Celtics beat the Toronto Raptors 115-101 on Easter Sunday at TD Garden. Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points to lead all scorers. Jayson Tatum added 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists. Boston improved to 53-25 with a magic number of two for clinching the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
Sunday was the first game this season in which every single player on the roster was healthy and available. The full rotation was at Mazzulla’s disposal for the first time since the campaign began.
But having a full roster introduces its own challenge. One player’s return raised a potential question Boston needs to answer before the postseason begins.
Vucevic Returns to a the Celtics Roster
Nikola Vucevic played his first game since March 6 on Sunday after undergoing surgery to stabilize a fractured right ring finger.
He finished with 4 points and 4 rebounds in 13 minutes. He picked up early fouls that kept him on the bench for stretches, and the Celtics were outscored by 14 during his minutes. Vucevic shared how he felt upon return from injury.
“Today, honestly, when I was playing out there, I felt pretty good, pretty comfortable in the flow of the offense, defense. It wasn’t perfect.”
Joe Mazzulla offered a measured assessment afterward, saying Vucevic made the right reads offensively but missed a few opportunities. He acknowledged that 13 minutes was not enough to draw any major conclusions and emphasized the need to keep building toward comfort with the system.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 05: Nikola Vucevic #4 of the Boston Celtics and Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics converse during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at TD Garden on April 05, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Mazzulla Acknowledges the Uncertainty
Mazzulla was candid about where things stand with Vucevic’s integration.
“We don’t quite know how teams will defend him,” Mazzulla said.
Vucevic has spent 14 years in the league as one of the main options on a team. Learning to operate within a system built around Brown and Tatum requires a different approach. His career includes two All-Star nods but limited postseason experience. He has never made it out of the first round. The opportunity in front of him is unlike anything he has encountered before.
Vucevic said after the game that he is trying not to overthink his role. He wants to play his natural game and trust that chemistry with his new teammates will develop as the minutes add up.
Queta and Garza Have Eased the Pressure
Boston has shown it can win without Vucevic in the lineup.
Neemias Queta has emerged as one of the most improved players in the league. His hold on the starting center role looks firm heading into the postseason.
Luka Garza responded to being pushed down the rotation when Vucevic arrived by playing some of the best basketball of his career. His ability to stretch the floor and crash the glass has given Boston a dependable option off the bench.
The depth at center is a luxury, not a problem. Three productive centers rotating in and out would give Mazzulla options against the physical frontcourts waiting in the Eastern Conference bracket.
GettyBOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – APRIL 05: Neemias Queta #88 of the Boston Celtics blocks a shot attempt made by RJ Barrett #9 of the Toronto Raptors during the second half at TD Garden on April 05, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jaiden Tripi/Getty Images)
Final Word for the Celtics
The Celtics are in a strong position heading into the final stretch. Brown is playing at an MVP level. Tatum has rattled off six double-doubles in seven games. Queta and Garza have held the fort at center and then some.
Vucevic has the talent. Mazzulla admitted the team does not yet know how opponents will scheme against him. Boston has the depth to absorb the learning curve.
Four more games before the postseason begins. The pieces are there. If Vucevic can find his rhythm before the playoffs tip off, the Celtics become even more dangerous than they already are.
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